Registered sex offenders and others who have been charged with sexual misconduct have allegedly not been barred from cheerleading gyms.

USA Today published its findings from an investigation into cheerleading gyms that allow individuals with sexual misconduct charges or convictions to interact with minors.

The investigation discovered that nearly 180 individuals involved with cheerleading have faced sexual misconduct charges involving minors yet were not banned by U.S. All Star Federation (USASF) or USA Cheer.

Seventy-four of those individuals are registered sex offenders, USA Today reports.

Cheerleading Organizations Allegedly Failed to Ban Sex Offenders from Gyms

Despite these serious charges, USASF and USA Cheer had reportedly suspended just 21 individuals as of mid-July 2020. The number of individuals included on the banned list grew significantly after USA Today shared its findings with officials from these cheerleading organizations.

According to USA Today, USASF does not require all individuals who work with cheerleaders to undergo a background check. Only coaches who go into the warm-up area or backstage at competitions are required to have a background check.

USASF reportedly requires gym owners to conduct background checks for anyone who interacts with minors; however, gym owners do not have to bar individuals with sex offenses on their criminal record from interacting with minors.

“We don’t get into the hiring at each of those member clubs,” Amy Clark, USASF’s vice president of membership, told USA Today. “So each of them have their process. Hopefully each of them have legal counsel that would work with them.”

Cheerleading Gym Sexual Abuse Allegations

Jerry Harris, cheerleading coach featured in the Netflix series “Cheer,” was arrested by the FBI last fall and charged with the production of child pornography.

The mother of two 14-year-old twins who were allegedly abused by Harris says USASF was slow to act when she reported the abuse in May 2020. Despite the sexual abuse allegations, Harris was reportedly still a USASF member in September 2020. He allegedly continued to abuse minors during the four months his alleged abuse had been reported and the day he was finally suspended.

USA Today has identified several instances of USASF’s failure to take prompt action when they learned about cheer coach sexual misconduct allegations. In some cases, the organization failed to begin investigating cheerleading gym sexual abuse allegations for over a year, but quickly launched an investigation after the publication of the September 2020 article.

USASF’s handling of cheerleading gym sexual abuse allegations deviate from child welfare best practices. Child abuse prevention experts told USA Today that an organization should immediately evaluate the nature of the sexual assault allegation and implement an interim safety plan if necessary. In some cases, it is appropriate to immediately remove a person accused of sexual misconduct, the experts note.

Other Youth Organizations Under Investigation for Sexual Abuse

Cheerleading gyms are not the only youth organizations that are under fire for allegedly failing to protect minors from sexual abuse. The YMCA, Boys and Girls Club of America, the Glen Mill Schools, and other organizations have been targeted by a growing number of sexual abuse lawsuits from youth who say they were victimized by individuals associated with the organizations.

If you experienced sexual abuse at a cheerleading gym or other institution, you may have a legal claim. Fill out the form on this page for a free case evaluation.

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.